In a recent interview on Trust TV, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a chieftain of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), spoke on national unity, political appointments, and his experience serving under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, as well as the growing debate around leadership selection in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
During the interview, Kwankwaso stated, “Olusegun Obasanjo is from the South-West, but he made me the Minister of Defence.” He made the remark while emphasizing that political appointments in Nigeria should be guided by competence and trust rather than ethnic or regional considerations.
Kwankwaso explained that his appointment under former President Olusegun Obasanjo reflected a period where national interest was placed above sectional sentiments. According to him, despite differences in regional background, leaders were still able to work together in the interest of national development.
He noted that such experiences demonstrate the importance of unity in governance, stressing that Nigeria’s challenges require leaders who can work across ethnic and political divides. He argued that focusing excessively on regional identity undermines the ability to select capable individuals for sensitive national roles.
The former Kano State governor also linked his past experience in government to ongoing conversations about coalition politics and alliances ahead of 2027. He maintained that current political movements should prioritize competence, service delivery, and national progress rather than division.
Kwankwaso further emphasized that young Nigerians are increasingly focused on issues such as education, employment, and security, and are less influenced by ethnic or religious sentiments in political decision-making.
He concluded by reiterating that his political philosophy remains centered on inclusivity and performance, insisting that Nigeria’s leadership must continue to reflect competence and national unity in order to address the country’s pressing challenges…See More
